550 ltd reserve lighting unit

The FSM I have shows a picture with it under the side cover, next to what looks like the Regulator/ Rectifier, there are only a few fins of aluminum in the corner of the photo. I would say that with the fuel warning and head light warning lights that the Reserve lighting Unit should be there. Mines the previous year with none of the above. So did you attach a clean ground to the Black/ Yellow wire at the head light? Many of the old bikes have bad grounds, dirty loose connections.

bountyhunter wrote:

What does the reserve lighting thing do?

If headlight high beam burns out, the RLD automatically switches headlight to low beam.

If headlight low beam burns out, the RLD automatically switches headlight to high beam (at a lowered wattage via a resistor). The lower wattage on high beam is probably designed to protect against "blinding" driver of an oncoming vehicle in event of low beam failure and automatic switch to high beam.

Good Fortune!

Am thinking the RLD was first introduced to Kawasaki large fours on the 1978 KZ1000-D1 (cafe racer model).

Don't know about its history with other Kawasaki models.

Good Fortune!

I've got one on my 1982 GPz1100 B2 model but did not have one in my 1977 Kz1000.

Patton wrote:

bountyhunter wrote:

What does the reserve lighting thing do?

If headlight high beam burns out, the RLD automatically switches headlight to low beam.

If headlight low beam burns out, the RLD automatically switches headlight to high beam (at a lowered wattage via a resistor). The lower wattage on high beam is probably designed to protect against "blinding" driver of an oncoming vehicle in event of low beam failure and automatic switch to high beam.

Good Fortune!

OK, understood. thanks

I am stumped. I can not find this RLU anywhere. I dont even see a 6 pin connector thats unplugged. The moron before me moved stuff around, maybe be took it off and didnt put it back. but that should still leave a male 6pin somewhere!...... im getting frustrated haha.

Motor Head, So your c-1 has the reserve lighting unit, but doesnt have the warning light or fuel light? if thats the case, than mine being an '81 it HAS to have it. idk why i cant find it!

Have you tried the Kawasaki parts fiche, as that would tell you most likely, there may be a VIN difference some where in 82 build. The only info in the FSM I have for location I supplied already.
Again did you try to apply a "GROUND" wire to the head light circuit?

I have tested all the grounds on the bike when i got it using an ohm meter. They are all good. I have the Clymer manual for it, and it only describes the purpose of the RLU, but not a picture.

The problem with using a OHM meter is it does not carry CURRENT through it. The head light circuit is the second highest draw on your bike, next to the starter circuit. You need to find out if the head light circuit has enough capacity to handle the amps required. Grounds are the most common issue but it could be on the power side.
If you can;t find the RLU, then how about a nice bright head light? That's what you want.
Your Profile doesn't say your location, if you want someone may be near to give you a hand. Lots of guy's all over on this site.

Have never had an RLD.
If headlight goes out, will perform the secret manual beam-switching maneuver. :lol:

But yes it's strange not being able to locate remnants of wiring to the 6 pin connector.
Perhaps taped over?

Good Fortune!

Im located in Lynchburg, Va. and I ordered one of ebay, and it came today, and it says Reserve Lighting Device, 12v. two bolt holes. it came off an 82 550 ltd. Im gonna pull my battery out and take the box out and have a better look.